How to Mount a Car Bike Rack

Transporting a bicycle to your riding destination often requires a bike to be carried by car. One type of bike rack which is popular and easy to use is the receiver hitch bike mounted carrier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Vehicle with receiver hitch

Hitch mounted bike carrier

Locking hitch pin

Bungee or shock cords

Step 1

Position the hitch receiver bike rack in front of the receiver opening. Receiver mounts are located beneath the rear bumper of vehicles. Typically, receiver hitches are available in two standard sizes which are 2 inch and 1 1/4 inch. Make sure the bike rack is designed to work with the receiver opening of the vehicle.

Step 2

Remove the hitch pin if inserted through the retaining holes of the receiver. The pin may be secured by a smaller pin or a lock which prevents the hitch pin from separating from the receiver.

Step 3

Insert the lower hitch mount portion of the carrier into the receiver hitch. Initially, slide the carrier as far into the receiver as possible so that it will be completely supported by the hitch.

Step 4

Locate the hitch pin holes on the receiver and slowly slide the bike carrier backwards until the holes in the carrier align with those of the receiver. Insert the hitch pin and secure with a smaller pin or lock which passes through the hitch pin.

Step 5

Follow manufacturer's directions to securely mount bikes on the rack. Typically, most racks will accommodate one to three bikes. Secure the bikes with the attached straps or use bungee shock cords to secure to the carrier.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure the tube of the bike carrier is the same diameter as that of the receiver. Adapters are available for converting a 1 1/4 inch receiver opening to a 2 inch opening.

Make sure to secure the carrier to the hitch with the hitch pin. Also make sure to completely secure the bikes to the carrier.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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